Thiols and Metal Thiolates-functionalized Networks for Electroactive and Environmental Applications

The researchers propose a class of bifunctional molecules containing the carboxylate and thiol groups for building solid state networks with intense electroactive properties and strong affinity for heavy metal ion pollutants. The researchers' recent research has uncovered the thiol/carboxylate combination as particularly versatile functionalities for building metal-organic networks. On the one hand, the carboxylic group forms highly solubilizing ionic interaction with the amine solvent molecules, thereby enhancing the crystallization with soft metal ions such as Cu(I) and Pb(II). On the other hand, the carboxylate groups can be selectively engaged in coordination bonds with a hard metal ion like Eu(III) to build up a network while leaving the thiol groups as free standing groups. The researchers now propose molecular building blocks based on larger aromatic cores, in order to achieve metal-organic frameworks with more significant porosity and stronger electroactive properties.